1. Start with strong credit.

Obtain a current copy of your credit report to verify all the information is correct. If there are any discrepancies, work with the credit reporting agencies to get them cleaned up. This can take several months so be sure to start early.

2. Discover your house hunting budget.

There are many online mortgage calculators that will help you ballpark the property value for your search. You will get a more accurate number by talking to a lender to get pre-qualified or, better yet, pre-approved for your purchase. They will be able to tell you more exact terms and interest rates based on your financial situation and down payment.

3. The down payment.

Many factors influence how much of down payment will be required when purchasing a house. The standard of 20% down is common but that can be lower in the cases of some goverment guaranteed loans, using private lenders, obtaining a secondary loan or special loan programs by lenders.

Update 2009: With the current lending market most loan packages are requiring a substancial down payment from 20% and up. First time buyers may qualify for FHA loans with only 3.5% down payments though.

4. Online property search.

The internet is a wonderful way to begin your search. You can quickly find homes and neighborhoods that meet your criteria. I have a free property search for southern California on my website to help you get started.

5. Select your agent.

With 17 years of aiding buyers in finding the property they desire, it would be my privilege to assist you also. I will help you:

a. Identify your favorite areas to buy a property in.
b. Keep you informed of new listings as soon as they come on the market.
c. Show you the properties that best fit your requirements and provide you with information on the market conditions and pricing.
d. Negotiate on your behalf to secure the best price for your purchase.
e. Faithfully guide you through the buying process including the contracts, disclosures, inspections, and as your liason with the escrow company and your lender.
f. Use my experience to make the transaction as smooth as possible.

It would be an honor to assist you in finding your dream home.

Norma Toering 310-493-8333

Here are what some of my past buyers are saying.

"You made everything simple and helped us in every way...We know we can safely say you are a great person, someone who can be trusted." Doctors Julio and Beatriz Sierra

"From beginning to end, Norma was there for us, taking care of the myriad of details with competence, caring and professionalism. It was our pleasure to work with her." The Howard Family

"Norma did an excellent job of getting us a fair price in a tough buyer's market. She definitely has an accurate pulse on the real estate market." The Van der Zalm family

Here are some of my personal real estate blog entries designed for buyers:

Before you buy!
Searching through cyberspace for a place to call home.
Surviving the house hunting season.
Have a sitdown with a lender.

Copyright 2009 - Norma Toering